Short answer: a natural cork stopper is punched in one piece from cork bark; a 1+1 technical stopper has an agglomerated cork body with a natural cork disc at each end; a microgranulated stopper is made of fine cork granules. CorkMart supplies natural stoppers in 38 × 24 and 45 × 24 mm, 1+1 stoppers in 40 × 23.5 and 44 × 23.5 mm for still wine, and microgranulated stoppers in 38, 44, 47 and 49 × 24 mm, in packs from 100 to 100,000.
The three stopper types compared
| Type | Construction | Sizes (length × diameter, mm) | Catalogue grades | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural cork | One piece punched from natural cork bark | 38 × 24 and 45 × 24 | Extra, Super, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Flor | Still wines, including wines intended for ageing |
| 1+1 technical | Agglomerated cork body with a natural cork disc at each end | 40 × 23.5 and 44 × 23.5 | A (Premium), B (Standard), C (Commercial) | Still wines only |
| Microgranulated | Body made of small cork granules | 38, 44, 47 and 49 × 24 | Single quality | Still wines; other drinks only with a confirmed specification |
Pack quantities: natural stoppers in 100, 1,000, 10,000 and 100,000; 1+1 and microgranulated stoppers in 100, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 100,000. One pack is one purchase unit.
Natural cork stoppers
Natural stoppers are punched directly from the cork bark, so each one keeps the visible grain and pores of natural cork. They are the traditional choice for still wines and for wines that will age in bottle. The catalogue grades are visual sorting classes based on the appearance of the cork surface. They describe how the stopper looks; they are not a promise of ageing time or oxygen transfer.
1+1 technical stoppers
The “1+1” name describes the construction: an agglomerated cork body with one natural cork disc at each end, so the wine is in contact with natural cork. They are a cost-effective choice for still wines meant to be consumed within a few years. They are not intended for sparkling or pressurised drinks.
Microgranulated stoppers
Microgranulated stoppers are made from fine cork granules, which gives a uniform body and appearance. The wider choice of lengths (38 to 49 mm) makes them flexible for different bottles. For sparkling or bottle-conditioned drinks, obtain the pressure and closure specifications before ordering a production quantity.
How to choose the size
- Diameter: must suit the inner diameter of the bottle neck and the compression of your corking machine. Most standard still-wine bottles use stoppers of 23.5–24 mm.
- Length: longer stoppers are usually chosen for wines intended for longer storage; shorter stoppers suit wines for earlier consumption. Check the neck profile of your bottle.
- Bottle specification first: ask your bottle supplier for the neck drawing and confirm compatibility before ordering.
TCA and quality control
TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) is the compound associated with “cork taint”. For production orders, ask for the quality-control and food-contact documentation applicable to the supplied lot, and run a bottling trial with a small pack before committing to a large quantity.
What to include in a quote request
- Wine type and expected time in bottle.
- Bottle reference or neck specification.
- Stopper type, size and grade.
- Quantity and delivery postcode.
- Whether you need branding: CorkMart also supplies custom engraved stoppers.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1+1 mean on a cork stopper?
It means one natural cork disc at each end of an agglomerated cork body.
Can I use 1+1 stoppers for sparkling wine?
No. They are intended for still wine only.
Which size is standard for wine bottles?
Diameters of 23.5–24 mm are common for still-wine bottles, but always confirm with your bottle’s neck specification.
Do the grades guarantee how long a wine can age?
No. Catalogue grades are visual sorting classes, not a guarantee of ageing duration, oxygen transfer or a batch test result.
Browse Natural Cork Stoppers, 1+1 Technical Cork Stoppers or Microgranulated Cork Stoppers, or the full cork stopper collection. To learn how cork is harvested, read our Portuguese cork guide. For production quantities, send your specification through Request a Quote.
